Living As Light

Author: Davelewis

  • Live together in love and unity: Psalm 133

    Psalm 133:1-3 ESV
    [1] Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! [2] It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! [3] It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.133.1-3.ESV

    In Exodus, the anointing oil used for Aaron and his sons symbolized their consecration and set apart status for holy service to God, representing divine grace and spiritual authority.

    Divine Grace:
    The pouring of oil on Aaron’s head was seen as a symbol of God’s grace and favor being bestowed upon him and his descendants.

    Spiritual Authority:
    The anointing oil, along with the priestly garments, conveyed the authority and power needed to conduct religious rituals and represent God to the people.

    Unity and Blessing:
    The oil’s flow from Aaron’s head down to his beard and clothing in Psalm 133:2 is often interpreted as a symbol of unity and blessing flowing from God to the priests and then to the people.

    No imitation:
    The oil was “holy for the Lord” and no one was to make any like it, symbolizing the uniqueness and sacredness of God’s grace and power.

    Today, God’s divine grace and favor is poured out on every believer who repents of their sin, turns to Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest, and receives Him as Lord and Savior. His eternal sacrifice is applied, like oil poured on the head of Aaron, running down onto his beard. Covered from head to toe with God’s grace and favor.

    When we dwell together in unity, there is great love; grace,mercy and forgiveness, which completes the picture presented in Psalm 133, of the anointing oil that was poured out on Aaron and his sons, setting them apart as priests, chosen and anointed by God by His grace and power

    1 Peter 2:4-9 NLT
    [4] You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. [5] And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. [6] As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” [7] Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” [8] And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. [9] But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.2.4-9.NLT

    Because of God’s great grace and mercy poured out on us who have believed in His name, received Him as Lord and Savior, we can now share this same love and goodness with others. This is the complete picture as presented by the Psalmist here in Psalm 133. It’s a perfect picture of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness and favor, poured out on us, anointing every believer to be His priests and intercessors, interceding on behalf of others. When we come together through prayer and support of one another, we are fulfilling God’s calling on our lives, which is the Great commandment.

    Love God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. So many pictures that point to the will of God in our lives, living together in love and unity

  • Is the weight of the world on your back and shoulders?

    Let Jesus be your Fullback. Pass that  heavy burden of sin to Him and let the Lord of your life run with it!

    Are you carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Perhaps it seems that way. The pressures of this world with all of its troubles and woes can pile up quickly and become overwhelming. Stress, anxiety, fear and every negative feeling and emotion the enemy can use to get under our skin robs us of peace and tranquility, joy and true inner happiness.

    Lay down your burdens at the foot of the cross and stand firm in His rest and comfort. Let the Helper, the Holy Spirit, minister to your soul and lift those burdens away.  Walk in freedom , unblinded, unhindered by the crushing weight you’ve allowed the world to place on your back.

    The great deception of the enemy tells us we have to carry our own burdens. Jesus says, “let Me carry your burdens. Lay it all upon Me.”

    Therefore, deny yourself take up your cross and follow Him, in freedom and the grace by which we’re saved.  And stand firm in the Spirit, being fully armed against the wicked schemes of the devil, whose aim is to weigh you down with guilt shame, fear and anxiety; heavy burdens!

    Lay them down at the foot of the cross and let the Lord of life run with them!

    Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
    [28] Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.11.28-30.NLT

  • He sees and guides your paths: Proverbs 5:21

    Proverbs 5:21 NLT
    [21] For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.5.21.NLT

    Proverbs 5:21 NKJV
    [21] For the ways of man

    Psalms 119:168 NLT
    [168] Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do.

    Hosea 7:2 NLT
    [2] Its people don’t realize that I am watching them. Their sinful deeds are all around them, and I see them all.

    Hebrews 4:13 NLT
    [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

    are before the eyes of the Lord,

    Job 14:16 NLT
    [16] For then you would guard my steps, instead of watching for my sins.

    Psalms 11:4 NLT
    [4] But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.

    And He ponders all his paths.

    Or, makes his paths straight. Not like the adultress that is figuratively depicted in the beginning of Proverbs chapter 5 (and other places in proverbs).

    The adultress/seductress is figurative of the ways of this world, seducing men by appealing to their lust of the flesh, lust of their eyes, and the pride of life.

    Those who desire to be friends with this world make themselves enemies of God (James 4:4)

    Proverbs 5:6 NLT
    [6] For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.

    And so is everyone who follows after her foolishness and folly, which is stupidity or idle behavior, wasting time and energy on frivolous or empty pursuits with no purpose or direction; this is the end result of following the adultress. She takes away the life of those who follow after her.

    But God sees everything we do, even our thoughts. He will guide our path if we seek Him and His kingdom and righteousness first in all that we do. Then everything else will follow and fall into proper perspective and order.

  • He is your Helper and your Shield!

    God’s word is His promise.

    His word is pure

    His word is true

    He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him

    We are His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his very own possession

    Proverbs 30:5 NKJV
    [5] Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.30.5.NKJV

    Psalms 12:6 NLT
    [6] The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.
    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.12.6.NLT

    Psalms 19:8 NLT
    [8] The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.19.8.NLT

    Psalms 119:40 NLT
    [40] I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.119.40.NLT

    Psalms 18:30 NLT
    [30] God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.18.30.NLT

    Psalms 84:11 NLT
    [11] For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.84.11.NLT

    Psalms 115:9-11 NLT
    [9] O Israel, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. [10] O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. [11] All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.115.9-11.NLT

    O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord! (Ps.115:10)

    1 Peter 2:9 NLT
    [9] But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.2.9.NLT

    Proverbs 30:5 ESV
    [5]  Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.30.5.ESV

    Proverbs 30:5 NLT
    [5] Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.30.5.NLT

  • Like a weaned child is my soul within me: Psalm 131

    Psalms 131:1-3 NKJV
    [1] Lord, my heart is not haughty (proud) , Nor my eyes lofty (arrogant). Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me.[2] Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. [3] O Israel, hope in the Lord From this time forth and forever.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.131.1-3.NKJV

    The psalmist has learned the true meaning of humility and what happens in the heart of those who turn to God in humility and total surrender.

    The phrase “like a weaned child is my soul within me“

    A weaned child is one who no longer relies on its mother’s milk to sustain him. The child is ready and mature enough to eat and drink for himself. He’s ready to feed on the solid food of God’s word.

    Some suggest that this means the age of accountability, while it’s also symbolic of how we, as adults, must become like children; innocent and trusting, impressionable and teachable. Little children accept things more simply, without a lot of questions or scepticism. Little children don’t concern themselves with grand ideas or lofty opinions or sayings; philosophies and ideologies. It’s only as we age and mature that we begin to concern ourselves with great and profound matters.  Yet the Kingdom of God is received as we become like little children; humbled, calm and quiet within.

    A weaned child still needs guidance, discipline, correction and protection from its parents. As a child looks to its parents with love, trust and obedience, so we must look to God, in humility and become poor in spirit.

    Jesus spoke of this concept of becoming like little children .

    Matthew 18:3 NLT
    [3] Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.18.3.NLT

    “Turn from your sins (converted, repentant) and become like little children.“

    1 Corinthians 14:20 NLT
    [20] Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.14.20.NLT


    Psalms 138:6 NLT
    [6] Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.138.6.NLT

    Isaiah 57:15 NLT
    [15] The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.

    And so, the Kingdom of heaven comes to those who become like little children; weaned from their mother, ready to be fed by God in humility and simplicity

  • Redemption and Forgiveness

    to those who trust in the Lord:

    We cannot hide anything from God. He sees everything; the good and the bad that we do, even our sinful thoughts are known by Him. We cannot pull the wool over the eyes of God. He will hold us accountable. He will judge our sins. But He offers mercy and forgiveness for those who repent and believe in Him.  It is a good thing that he is slow to anger and abundant in mercy.

    When we turn to Him in our guilty status, He looks on us with compassion, like sheep having no shepherd, harassed and helpless, and He is moved with compassion. Then He will come to us with discipline, correction and guidance (Proverbs 3:11-12). When we look to Him, trusting Him with all of our heart and acknowledge Him in all of our ways, He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)

    Then we are enabled by His grace to walk in the freedom and forgiveness that only he provides. Then we won’t be anxious and filled with worry, doubt and fear.

    Let the redeemed of the Lord testify of His goodness and mercy.

    Psalm 130:3-4 ESV
    [3] If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? [4] But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.130.3-4.ESV

    Nahum 1:6-7 NLT
    [6] Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence. [7] The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.

    Malachi 3:2 NLT
    [2] “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.

    Psalms 143:1-2 NLT
    [1] Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. [2] Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you.

    Psalms 86:5, 15 NLT
    [5] O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
    [15] But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

    Psalm 130:7-8 ESV
    [7] O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. [8] And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.130.7-8.ESV

    Ephesians 6:13 NLT
    [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

  • Chasing Euphoria

    Jehovah Jireh, our God provides!

    Euphoria is a state of intense happiness, well-being and contentment.

    We’re always looking for this pinnacle of the human experience, which the world will tell us is found in our endeavors, material gains and achievements.

    But where does true happiness and contentment come from?

    1 Timothy 6:3-8 NLT
    [3] Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. [4] Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. [5] These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. [6] Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. [7] After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. [8] So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1ti.6.3-8.NLT

    The feelings of happiness, joy and peace that come from material wealth and gain are temporary. Trophies, awards, milestones, etc, are short lived and temporary at best. But true contentment that lasts forever, into eternity comes by knowing that all we have in this life comes from the hand of God. God is our provider. He supplies all our need.

    Jehovah Jireh, our God provides

    Philippians 4:19 NLT
    [19] And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.19.NLT our need.

  • Set your hearts to Zion!

    The road to Zion is in my heart

    Psalm 65:1-4 ESV
    [1] Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. [2] O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. [3] When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. [4]  Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!

    https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.65.1-4.ESV

    Zion:
    In the Bible, “Zion” primarily refers to Jerusalem, the city of David, and the Land of Israel, but also symbolizes the dwelling place of God and the spiritual heart of Israel, a place of divine presence and refuge.

    Symbolic Meaning:
    Zion became a powerful symbol representing God’s presence, His covenant with Israel, and the hope for a future kingdom of peace and justice. Zion is also seen as a place of refuge and protection, where God’s people can find safety and solace; the place where the glory of God dwells.

    In Christ, Zion is in our hearts, as we turn to Him, repent and believe in His holy name. The road to Zion is in your heart. The Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of those who have received Christ and have accepted His atoning sacrifice for their sins; for the sins of the world (John 3:16)

    1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
    [19] Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, [20] for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.6.19-20.NLT

    Zion is the place we must turn to for God’s grace and mercy, to cleanse us of our sins, as we confess our sins daily. He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)

    The road to Zion is in your heart. When Christ is seated on the throne of your heart, as King and Lord of your life, God will draw near to you as you draw near to Him. He has already provided atonement for our sins. But we must choose to walk in that once for all time, eternal sacrifice; the only remedy for the sin of the world, and for each one of us as we receive it by grace through faith.


    Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
    [8] God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.8-9.NLT

    If your heart’s desire is to live freely, without the heavy burden of sin weighing you down, look to Zion. Set your heart towards Zion. The road to Zion is in your heart!

    It’s not about religion, but all about the great romance between God and His creation. The prayers of the Psalmists are evidence of where Zion truly exists. This is about the True road to Zion, God’s holy place, where His glory dwells; in the hearts of men!

  • Go along with the crowd or run with God!

    Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 1:10-19; Proverbs 4:14-15; Job 21:16

    Choose for yourself, each new day, which way you will go. God the Holy Spirit will guide you as you put your faith in Him. Every day we have the opportunity to follow the way of the world or go the way of the Lord. Rest assured we will reap what we sow. Every choice we make has a direct consequence, good or bad.

    Those who choose to walk with God will find the path that leads to life. They will have everything they need to live a godly life and they will find peace, joy, comfort and strength for daily living. They won’t be swept aside by every seemingly good idea or intention that comes their way. They won’t be influenced, deceived or tricked.

    Those who abide in God’s word, meditating on scripture day and night, will develop godly wisdom and understanding, and will know the truth, and the truth will set them free from the influence and trickery of this world and its god, Satan, the devil.

    True happiness comes from the inside when we listen to the voice of the Shepherd and Overseer of our soul. Learn to hear his voice through the living power of His word. And then pray that you might “take heed according to His word.” Which means to put His word into practice and obedience.

    When we do this, will cultivate a life of true wisdom and understanding, and we’ll experience the success and prosperity that comes from a godly lifestyle; the fruit of the Spirit which comes out of those whom the Spirit of God has poured Himself into.

    The prosperity of the world is material gain and wealth. It is temporary. It comes and goes. But the prosperity that comes from God is on the inside, in our hearts. This is where the Kingdom of God begins. The road to God’s holy city, Zion, is in your heart.

    Psalms 1:1-3 NLT
    [1] Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. [2] But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. [3] They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.1.1-3.NLT

    Proverbs 4:14-15 ESV
    [14]  Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. [15] Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.

    https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.4.14-15.ESV

    Job 21:16 NKJV
    [16] Indeed their prosperity is not in their hand; The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

    https://bible.com/bible/114/job.21.16.NKJV

    Proverbs 1:10-19 NLT
    [10] My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! [11] They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! [12] Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. [13] Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. [14] Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” [15] My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. [16] They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. [17] If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. [18] But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. [19] Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.1.10-19.NLT

  • Jehovah Ezer (God our Help)

    The phrase “Jehovah Ezer,” meaning “Jehovah our help,” is a powerful expression of God’s role as our source of strength, comfort and support. He is our Helper and Comforter; the ever-present present help in times of great trouble, distress, temptation and trials.

    Jesus told His disciples that he would not leave them alone and helpless, but would send the Helper, the Holy Spirit to teach, help, counsel and comfort them (and us today) Through the Holy Spirit, he is always with us.

    Psalms 44:26 NLT
    [26] Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of your unfailing love.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.44.26.NLT

    Hebrews 13:6 NLT
    [6] So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

    https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.13.6.NLT

    Romans 8:26-27 NLT
    [26] And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.26-27.NLT

    Psalms 27:1 NLT
    [1] The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.27.1.NLT

    Psalms 56:4 NLT
    [4] I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

    https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.56.4.NLT

    The Holy Spirit is our Helper

    John 14:26 NLT
    [26] But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.26.NLT

    John 15:26 NLT
    [26]  “But I will send you the Advocate —the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.

    https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.15.26.NLT